The Dunn Museum is part of the Lake County Forest Preserves, a Little Lake County advertising partner.
If you have a Marvel fan in your house 2019 is a big year, with four new Marvel movies coming out. If your Marvel fan needs a little superhero fix before (or after) the upcoming movies, plan a trip to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville.
Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross
March 9 – September 8, 2019
Alex Ross is considered one of the greatest comic book artists. He has been drawing for comics books for nearly 30 years and has created some of the most iconic images known to fans today. Ross has taken the art of the superhero beyond the comic book and revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art, now on display in Marvelocity – the new book and exhibit.
Referred to some as the “Norman Rockwell of comics” Ross started crafting his skills at the age of 3 when he would draw TV commercials from memory. At the age of 23, he was hired by Marvel Comics to illustrate Marvel’s central characters in the groundbreaking comic book events, Marvels (1994).
The Dunn exhibit will take visitors through a mini-documentary of Ross and all stages of his life work. The special events gallery will include both 2D and 3D works featuring some of Marvel’s greatest heroes and villains. Ross has drawn characters including Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm from the X-Men, the Avengers, Black Panther and many more. If your child has a favorite hero, Alex has likely drawn it. Aspiring artists or kids who simply like to doodle will be inspired by Ross’ journey from a young comic book fan, through art school, to the illustrations we know today. Ross creates all his work using paper, pencils and gouache paint (a mix between watercolor and acrylic). He does not use computers to create his art, which is a point of pride.
In addition to the exhibit, the Museum will be hosting several special events connected to it, the first and biggest being the Opening Celebration on March 9.
March 9 – Marvelocity Opening Celebration
In a rare signing event, Alex Ross will be at the Dunn Museum from 2-5 pm. This is his only scheduled appearance in the Chicago area in 2019. The event will feature a visit with Alex Ross on a first come first served basis and he will sign up to five items per person. Exclusive posters, the Marvelocity book, and a variety of other merchandise will be available for purchase at the Dunn Museum Gift Shop during the event. The first 100 people to arrive will be admitted free through support presented by the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. In addition to the signing, activities will include creating a superhero mask, testing out your superpowers, and tours.
March 20 – Homeschool Companion: Comic Book Art
Registration required. Join other homeschoolers to explore the exhibition Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross. Learn about comic book illustration and art techniques through hands-on activities.
March 21 – Rogue v Citizen Heros: Superheros and Zeitgeist
FREE Thursday Night Event. This adult-only event will feature College of Lake County sociology professors John and Maria Jose Tenuto. They will look at the contrast of the definitions of “citizen” and “rogue” heroes, relating the concepts to the ideas of mythologists like Joseph Campbell and Vladimir Propp. Then, using examples from comic books and superhero films, the connection between the real world of wars, economic crisis, terrorism, and political trends are compared to the reel world of superhero characters – showing how the characters that are most popular at given times are usually a reflection of what the society is experiencing.
April 4 – Animal Superheros
FREE Thursday Night Event. The whole family is invited to don their favorite superhero shirt for a night of super exploration at the Museum. Learn about the amazing superhero animals of Lake County while you explore the exhibits.
Looking ahead:
May 2 – Look, Learn, Create Comic Book Art
FREE Thursday Night Event. Pow! Zap! Look at comic book art created by Alex Ross, learn about the process and the stories behind the art, and then create your own inspired works with the whole family.
May 4 – Free Comic Book Day
Come to the Museum dressed in your favorite comic book character costume and receive a free comic book from Dreamland Comics in Libertyville. Additional activities include superhero crafts and tours of the Marvelocity exhibit.
May 25 – County Pop Con Pre-PartyVisit the Dunn Museum ahead of the County Pop Con at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake to show off your cosplay, tour the exhibition Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross and participate in superhero activities.
The Marvelocity exhibit is Ross’ first Chicago Metropolitan area exhibit.
Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross
March 9 – September 8, 2019
DUNN Museum
1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048 | (847) 968-3400
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Disclosure: Lake County Forest Preserve District is paid advertising partner of Little Lake County, all thoughts and opinions are the writers own. If you are interested in having your business featured please contact us.
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